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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a whirlwind of events turning our everyday life upside down. However, we are slowly emerging out of our isolation and slowly returning to somewhat of a normalcy. After months of lockdown, we are now finally going back to our workplaces and the daily grind. Well, that means easing back into a daily routine after months of lack of practice. Let’s pause for a second and think of our fur babies getting back into the habit of being home alone. They, too, will need to adjust as you leave your dog alone all day. Separation anxiety in dogs is real, and they all experience it when their beloved pack member leaves the house. So, we need to be mindful of our dogs when we leave them home alone. In this article, we will discuss 10 pet safety tips for when your dog is home alone.
Tip #1: Crate Train
Our number one tip will be for you to make crate training a part of your dog’s life. While some dog owners have their reservations about a dog being in a crate, they don’t realize that they are humanizing the experience instead of looking at it from a canine perspective. Dogs love their safety den. They spend almost 14 hours a day sleeping and resting. They prefer to do that in a cozy den-like safe space of their own. This is where crates come in handy. However, keep in mind, it is crucial to introduce crate training positively. Do not attempt to do it without some research or training. Do your research, train yourself on how to train your puppy to feel safe and happy in a crate. You can start with confined rooms first, then move into a crate. This training (like others) requires plenty of positive reinforcement and patience. Once you have your puppy crate trained, they will be content and happy even when you have left them home alone. Crate training is a perfect anecdote for separation anxiety.
Tip #2: Puppy Safe The Space
Whether you choose a crate or a room, or leave them free to roam the entire home, you will need to ensure that the space you leave your dog home alone is puppy safe. This means keep any hazardous chemicals or poisonous substances away. Keep foods away - especially the ones that are poisonous to your dog. Seemingly harmless foods like chocolates, garlic, and tomatoes can actually be deadly to a dog. Take all temptations away for your dog to be naughty. The garbage should be locked in, kitchen areas should be off-limits, and shoes and cords/cables put away. Make the space as safe as possible for your dog when you leave him home alone.
Tip #3: Create Sound Barriers
One of the common things a dog does out of separation anxiety is bark. This can get very annoying very quickly for your neighbors. Excessive barking can be grounds for eviction and or fine in some cases. So, it is important to teach your dog not to bark when they are left alone. Dogs will also respond to any outside noises with barking. Even a neighbor walking by can trigger excessive barking. This is why we recommend you create sound barriers. Keep the radio on with some slow music on. If you are leaving your dog in a room alone and restricting access to the rest of the house, choose a room in the house where noise travels the least. In some cases, you may need to put up fabric barriers on walls to keep outside noises out. Whatever it is that you have to do to reduce outside noises will help with reducing any possibility of barking.
Tip #4: Consider Pet Sitter Check-in
Urbanites are fortunate to have pet sitter check-in services where a dog walker will check-in on your dog, take him out for a short walk for his business, and play with them during midday. This service is surprisingly affordable. Some pet sitters charge a $10/day fee for this service. Compare that to the latte you bought at the cafe before you start work and the lunch you buy. This paid service is worth every penny if it means your dog will be happy and content and not have separation anxiety. If you are fortunate enough to afford this tip, then you should certainly consider this option. For more
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Tip #5: Keep Choking Hazards Away
We discussed adjusting the space for your puppy’s safety already. Choking hazard requires a special mention as asphyxiation when left alone is, unfortunately, very common. Something as benign as a toy can sometimes be a fatal choking hazard. Inspect the toys, treats, bones, food, and other objects in the dog’s reach. Some products have clear precaution against asphyxiation. Read the labels and remove any product that asks to avoid unsupervised access.
Tip #6: Don’t Make A Scene Leaving and Coming Back
This is a common mistake some dog owners make. They would have long goodbyes and hyper hellos. If you have the urge to cuddle/pet/kiss your dog before you leave - STOP! No, we mean it. That is because every dog feels separation anxiety when they see you go. Coddling them before you leave reinforces that feeling and will give the dog more permission to act out when left alone. The same applies for when you return from work. Don’t make a fuss about it. The best approach is to have a calm exit and re-entry. It is okay to pet your dog when you come home to reinforce the positive feelings. However, don’t do that when you leave as it will do the opposite.
Tip #7: Keep Plenty of Fresh Water Available
Make sure their water dish is washed and filled before leaving your dog home alone for extended periods. Some dogs may like the running fountain fixture to drink from, and others may want their water still, so try both and see which one they prefer. Some dogs may experience dehydration from excessive panting from separation anxiety. This is another reason to ensure plenty of fresh, clean water is available for your furbaby.
Tip #8: Keep Dry Food Out for Grazing
A feeding timetable that includes dry and wet food is best for dogs. Keeping dry kibbles around will ensure your dog does not go hungry throughout the day. Have it premeasured if your dog tends to overeat.
Tip #9: Climate Control The Space
Try to keep the space slightly cooler than room temperature throughout the day. Dogs tend to relax more in cooler air conditioned spaces.
Tip #10: Establish a Routine
Finally, establish a daily routine for your dog. You can start the day off with a short walk with the dog, give him his breakfast, have your breakfast and coffee, and then shower and get ready for work. If you maintain a predictable routine, dogs will learn to expect the pattern of events happening daily. You will notice that the dog will automatically retreat to his crate or his space when he sees you put on your shoes to leave the door after your morning ritual. He will know when you put on your shoes means he gets to go for a walk and which event means you are leaving him alone. This will help with reducing separation anxiety. There you have it, our top 10 safety tips for when your dog is home alone. Also, rest assured, dogs adjust very well to the long hours away from their owners. In other words, Fido will not mind you leaving him. Happy Pet Parenting!
About the Author:
Josh Cobbe is an animal tender heart who has been working for a long time to bring helpless dogs back home. Through his efforts, it has already been possible to reunite many helpless dogs with new families. She is a certified dog trainer who helps people make friends with their dogs.
